European Alder
Alnus glutinosa
European Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40 to 60 ft tall and 20 to 40 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun.
medium to high water40 to 60 ft tall and 20 to 40 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: AnRo0002
- Photo 2: "Alnus glutinosa Bialowieza 002" by Agnieszka Kwiecień (Nova) is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 3: (c) guywallbanks, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: "Alnus glutinosa" by Bruce Marlin is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton
- Photo 6: "Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) twig and bud" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 7
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Rain gardens
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40 to 60 ft tall and 20 to 40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is European Alder good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, European Alder is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is European Alder only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How big does European Alder get?
- It matures to about 40 to 60 ft tall and 20 to 40 ft wide.
- How much room does European Alder need?
- Give European Alder about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does European Alder grow into?
- European Alder typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is European Alder hardy on the Front Range?
- European Alder is hardy in USDA 3 to 7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does European Alder need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does European Alder grow?
- European Alder is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does European Alder live?
- European Alder has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is European Alder native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
